PRESENT: Vice Mayor Samuel Burkett; Sam Mutter, Eugene Hendrick, Buford Cregger, Mel Leaman, James Gates, and Ralph Price, Council Members; Town Manager John Clark; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; and Town Attorney Mark Fenyk.

INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: The invocation was rendered by Rev. Mark Ross and the Pledge to the Flag was led by Vice-Mayor Burkett.

MINUTES: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes of the meeting held on 11/20/00 were approved as written and distributed.  Mr. Mutter, Mr. Hendrick, Mr. Cregger, Mr. Leaman, Dr. Gates, and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

VISITORS: Rev. Mark Ross, Ken Heath

ADOPTION OF UTILITY LICENSE TAX: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the following Ordinance was adopted:
AAny person, firm or corporation who shall engage in the business of furnishing heat, light,
gas and power in the Town of Marion, whether by electricity or gas, shall pay a license tax
equal to one-half (2) of one (1) percent of the gross annual receipts accruing to that person, firm or corporation from such business in Town.@
Mr. Price, Dr. Gates, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Cregger, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Mutter voted affirmatively.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER AGREEMENT: As stipulated  in the current Public Authority agreement,  a third quarter analysis based on the twelve months energy usage ending in June of 2000 of the effects of the optional demand charge rates for each of our accounts by American Electric Power, the alternate rate would have been lower than the actual bill.  This does not entitle the Town to any refund, nor is it a guarantee of any future savings.   Dr. Gates moved that this item be continued and  Tracy L. Neville-Hertig, AEP Customer Services Representative, be invited to Town Council to discuss this matter.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.

JOINT WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTIONS WITH SCHOOL BOARD: Mr. Hendrick reported that Smyth County plans to install a wireless communication system and has invited several local agencies, including the Town of Marion, to benefit from the system.  The Town would be required to pay for 5% of the system.  Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued and Chris King, who is installing the system for Smyth County, will be invited to attend the next Council meeting.

TV3, HISTORIC SIGNS AND CIVIL WAR TRAILS-KEN HEATH:   Mr. Heath reported on several items.

 
1)   TV3- He advised that individual photographs will be taken of Mayor and Town Council on December 18, 2000 for use on TV3.

2) Historic Signs- According to VDOT representative, Steve Buston, the Town would prepare a letter detailing copy, size, and locations for the brown marker Historic Signs.  Mr. Heath recommended AMarion Historic District Founded 1832" with mileage and arrows at each of the four entryways into Town, plus signs delineating the district (Commerce at Main, Main Street at North Commerce, East Main at Main, West Main at North Poston) Mr. Cregger suggested that a sign also be erected at Park Boulevard/North Main Street intersection. Dr. Gates moved that the signs be ordered and erected.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Hendrick and carried by a vote of 5 AYES and 1 NOE (Mutter).   Mr. Mutter expressed concern that Mr. Heath did not have the number of signs needed nor did he have the cost associated with them. He voted Ano@ not because he did not wish to support the signs but because Mr. Heath had no idea of what the cost would be.  Mr. Mutter explained to Mr. Heath and Town Council that he does not feel it is proper to vote yes under these circumstances.    Mr. Mutter also stated that he will not support a A yes@ vote, in the future, unless Mr. Heath has his cost and other pertinent information to present to Town Council prior to asking for support.

 3) Civil War Trails- Mr. Heath reported that a letter has been faxed to Mitch Bowman concerning this program, requesting more information on the Civil War Trails program to determine if the Town qualifies.

4) All American City Signs- At the Mayor=s instruction, Mr. Heath had requested a fresh quote for four (4) All American City signs.  He will report cost to the Town when quotes are received.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS): Mr. Hendrick reported that he, C.T. Eagle and Chris King met to discuss the proposed GIS system.  Cost of the complete system is approximately $108,000.  This cost will be considered during the 2001-2002 Budget process.

BUILDING COMMITTEE-PURCHASING DEPARTMENT: Quotations on the construction of the Purchasing Building from Evans Construction ($34,532) and Industrial Supply ($21,249)  have been received.  The amount budgeted for the project in the 2000-01 Budget is $15,000.  It was the general consensus of the committee to rebid the project.  Mr. Price moved that the building be rebid.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Mutter and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.

LEAF COLLECTION: Mr. Cregger noted that leaves have not been collected on Chinquapin Road, Prater Lane and Peavler Street.

SAFETY MEETINGS: Mr. Clark reported that a Safety Meeting was held 11/28/00 at the Town Shop.  As part of a Comprehensive Safety Program these meetings will be held twice monthly, using the VML Safety Library, Marion Lifesaving Crew, and Marion Fire Department, beginning in January, 2001.

 
SESCO-COMPENSATION  PROGRAM: Mr. Clark stated that he, Dixie Sheets, Sam Wagner, and Mike Roberts met with SESCO personnel to discuss the Town of Marion Compensation Plan.  Upon review of the plan, several changes have been made, particularly in the Recreation Department and Police Department that are not reflected in the official document.  In order for the Classification Plan to reflect what is in the field and so as to avoid confusion and problems at a later date, the Town has requested a proposal from SESCO incorporating all changes to the plan since 1993.  SESCO has responded with a quotation of $13,775.  This matter was referred to the Personnel Committee.

WATER COMMITTEE-REQUEST FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL RATE: The Water Committee met on November 29 to discuss utility rates to schools served by the Town of Marion.  This item was continued pending collection of additional information.

FIRE STATION PUNCH LIST: Mr. Clark reported that he, Mayor Helms, Billy Hamm, Cecil Hicks, and Associated Construction representatives Bill Thompson and David Owens met on the punch list in a final attempt to settle the issue before it proceeds to litigation or arbitration.  It was decided that a meeting would be scheduled with the former and present Committees to discuss what has transpired with the project and bring new Committee members up to date.

Mr. Fenyk noted that he is on a deadline to reply to the request for arbitration.   This item was continued.

ROUND HILL CEMETERY: Mr. Mutter advised that the some of the roads in the Cemetery has grown up and become slick.  He requested that these be attended to and graveled, if necessary.

FIRE TRUCK FUND: Mr. Mutter requested an update on the Fire Truck Fund.  Ms. Sheets will prepare the information for next Council Meeting.

POLICE COMMITTEE: Mr. Mutter reminded members of the Police Committee meeting to be held 12/5/00 at 4:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

PERSONNEL-INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES: Mr. Mutter requested that new Town of Marion employees be invited to Town Council to be introduced with a brief background presentation.  This would include all departments.

WELLNESS CENTER: Town employees will have an opportunity to join the Wellness Center on December 14, 2000 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  The enrollment will allow employees to talk with representatives and tour the facility.  Currently 27 employees have expressed an interest in joining.  Town Council will pay the initial fee and employees will enjoy a special monthly rate if at least 25 employees participate in the program.

REAL ESTATE-REQUEST TO SELL: Robert Francis has requested that the Town entertain selling  2 to all of the parking lot on North Main Street next to Kay Edwards Beauty Salon.  Mr. Fenyk stated that in order for the Town to sell property, it must be determined that the property is surplus and a public hearing be set to consider the same.  Then, request for bids must be advertised on 4 successive weeks of the Town=s intention  to offer the property for sale by sealed bids.  He noted that no survey is required if all of the property at the location is sold.
 

WATER TREATMENT PLANT ROOF: Council was informed that the roof at the Water Treatment Plant is leaking on the west end and north side.  Staff was advised to engage Marion Roofing to survey the problem.

PERSONNEL-NEW EMPLOYEE: Mr. Clark informed Council that Mrs. Linda Pennington has been hired as the new Secretary to the Manager/Insurance Clerk, effective 12/1/00.

ENGINEER=S REPORT: Town Engineer Cecil Hicks reported on the following:
WATER LEAK ON ROUTE 16: Mr. Hicks reported that the recent water problem on Route 16 was due to a broken tap at John Deere.  Therefore, the Town will not proceed with re-routing the 8" line near Scott McKinnon=s building.

FIRE LANE: Mr. Hicks stated that he is working with the Fire Marshall to notify all those affected with the property signs and markings for fire lanes.  This item was continued to next meeting.

NORTH STREET EASEMENT: Mr. Hicks stated that the proposed easement is ready for review by the Town Attorney.  He reminded Council that Blue Ridge Job Corps has set aside a trust account in the amount of $10,000.

SEWER BACK-UPS:   Mr. Hicks reported that the Town policy is to install a cleanout when work is performed on a sewer line.  His staff plans to develop a program to determine the responsibility of sewer blockage.   Mr. Clark advised that recent information on sewer backup and prevention has been distributed by VML.

NEWSLETTER: Mr. Clark informed Council that a Newsletter will be mailed prior to Christmas.

PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 2.1-344 (A1, A7) and upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Council entered into Closed Session to discuss possible litigation and personnel matters.   Dr. Gates was excused from Closed Session by Vice Mayor Burkett.  Mr. Hendrick moved that Town Council return to Open Session and that it be known that only those matters legally exempted from Open meetings were discussed during the Closed Session.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and carried by a vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES.

LITIGATION: Mr. Mutter moved that the Town of Marion appeal a ruling by Circuit Court.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and carried by a vote of 4 AYES and 1 NOE (Leaman).

Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.